Former Metrolink MD to work on expansion

The engineer who oversaw the construction of the Metrolink tram network has returned to Manchester to help manage its expansion.

Jim Harries — the former managing director of Greater Manchester Metrolink Ltd (GMML) — has been appointed as the new Metrolink engineering manager at Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive

The new Metrolink lines to Oldham and Rochdale, Droylsden in Tameside, Chorlton in South Manchester, and Media City:UK in Salford Quays will nearly double the size of the network.

Harries said: "I was the engineering manager at GMML when the tram system was being built, so I’m delighted to be returning to work in Manchester to see it double in size.

"I’ll be taking on responsibility for engineering on both the existing Metrolink network and the new lines. We’ll also be able to extend the system to other areas of Greater Manchester in the future if the bid for money from the government’s Transport Innovation Fund is successful.

"I am pleased to be joining the Metrolink team at such an exciting time for the network and am looking forward to taking on the challenges ahead."

GMML built the first section of the Metrolink network, between Bury, Manchester and Altrincham, which opened in 1990. It also operated the tram service until 1997.